‘He’s been my hero my whole life’: Thousands in Saskatchewan participate in annual Terry Fox Run

Forty-five years ago, a very brave Canadian named Terry Fox wanted to inspire hope among those living with cancer. Fox’s mission to run across Canada after having one of his legs amputated did just that.

Not only did he raise significant funds for cancer research, but he also created a legacy that is celebrated to this day.

“I think that Terry’s legacy is just so important for young people and the notion of sticking with it, that you can do anything,” Sara Bryson, a participant in Saskatoon’s walk, said.

Sunday marked the Terry Fox Run, which connected Canadians across the country through their desire to keep Terry’s memory alive, and Saskatchewan was no exception. Saskatoon and Regina each saw hundreds turn out to walk and run in support of cancer research.

In Regina, people participated in the annual event at the T.C. Douglas building, connecting to the cause through their own personal reasons.

“Last month, I lost a friend in her sixties, so I’m running for Robin and I’m running for my Aunt Louise, who died of cancer two weeks ago,” said Janice Bradshaw of Regina.

“I lost my father in 1990 at a very young age, for me and for him. I started walking the Terry Fox Run in 1991,” said Derek Senz, who has been participating in the annual event for 34 years.

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Senz says having an opportunity to raise awareness about cancer is important.

“It’s important to be here and walk for the people you care for and love. It helps you remember them every year and keep them close to your heart,” he said. “This year, I’m walking for a very close friend of mine who’s battling brain cancer at a very young age of 29.”

Julian Arisnabarretta and his sister, Grace, even held a lemonade stand leading up to the event to fundraise for the foundation.

“It’s nice to see all the people who have come to run for relatives, family, and friends. It’s a great cause to support,” said Julian. “Our mom is on the committee to help plan this event, so we jumped at the occasion to help raise some money with our lemonade stand and support the Terry Fox cause.”

Many of those in attendance in both cities were cancer survivors, they wore red t-shirts with “Terry’s Team” written on the back.

“Even though I wasn’t quite sure, because I was so young, what I was exactly fighting for, I fought for it because Terry fought for it, and it really inspired me to keep going and finish the battle,” Bryson said.

Many others in attendance have witnessed loved ones receive cancer diagnoses, prompting them to make a difference in their own way.

“I was ten when we started doing this run, and he’s been my hero my whole life. I’m actually in medicine now, studying to become a doctor and hopefully work with cancer research and people dealing with cancer. I really don’t think I would be here today if it weren’t for Terry Fox,” Caitlyn Spurr, volunteer coordinator of the Saskatoon walk, said.

The Terry Fox Foundation has continued to grow in recognition and numbers. The University of Saskatchewan’s Terry Fox Club actively fundraises for the charity throughout the year.

“We’re out here today...because there are so many like-minded people here who are coming out to run and participate and just show the whole community that we’re here together. And when we’re together, we can fight against anything,” Khushi Chahal, president of the U of S Terry Fox Club, said.

The Terry Fox Marathon of Hope has raised over $900 million since he first embarked on his journey. While Terry’s cancer eventually came back and claimed his life, his legacy is not a sad one.

The story of Terry Fox has continued to provide countless Canadians with a little bit of hope when they needed it most. Terry’s ability to lend folks a little bit of courage is a legacy that has touched millions, and it will continue to keep his memory, and the memory of countless others, alive for decades to come.

-With files from Sierra D’Souza Butts